Boston Bruins: Anders Bjork should replace Jake DeBrusk on the second line
By jc
Is Anders Bjork the answer to the middle-six scoring woes for the Boston Bruins?
The Boston Bruins fell to the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday afternoon in a shootout. Boston jumped out to a 2-0 lead but could not hold on to secure two points.
The extra-time woes are nothing new for the Bruins. They lost five extra-time games in December alone; three in overtime and two in shootouts. For whatever reason, the Bruins’ forwards cannot capitalize on premium chances.
With these struggles, maybe coach Bruce Cassidy needs to lean on different players on his scoring lines. One forward who comes to mind is Anders Bjork.
Why the Bruins should try Anders Bjork with David Krejci
After he started the season in Providence, Bjork earned a recall to Boston and never looked back. So far, he played 33 games for the Bruins, and he has six goals and five assists.
Those are decent numbers for Bjork, but they don’t do his play justice. Bjork’s been better than his points indicate, but he hasn’t had enough opportunities to score.
Bjork only averages 13 minutes in ice time per game. Even against New Jersey, with some forwards out with injuries, Bjork only played 13:10.
Cassidy must give Bjork more opportunities on the ice. And when he does, he should try Bjork with David Krejci.
Krejci played mostly with Jake DeBrusk this year, but that partnership doesn’t as good as most expected. DeBrusk’s been inconsistent, and even after a recent two-goal effort, he only has 11 goals this season.
Cassidy should try Bjork with Krejci to see if that works. Alongside a talented playmaker like Krejci, maybe Bjork can find his scoring touch. He makes the most of limited ice time now anyway, so let’s see what he can do with more chances.
This lineup switch also gives DeBrusk a chance on the left-side of Charlie Coyle. DeBrusk seems like he’ll be a better fit with Coyle, as both play a north-south game.
One last thing: Bjork should get more opportunities on the power play. He could turn into an important piece on that second unit.